As Gaël Monfils prepares to play what is expected to be his final Roland-Garros, his wife, Elina Svitolina, has shared a personal story about how their relationship began in a letter written to their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Skaï. The letter, titled “Your father, the magician,” was published in The Players’ Tribune, where athletes can tell their stories in their own words.
In the message, Svitolina explains to her daughter what Monfils means to tennis fans around the world. She describes him as a natural entertainer, a showman capable of electrifying crowds with brilliant shots and memorable performances. The tribute comes at an emotional moment for the family, as Monfils approaches the end of his long and celebrated journey at Roland-Garros, one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments.
Svitolina also reflects on the day she first met Monfils. Their paths crossed in 2017 on a tennis court in Central Park, New York. A year later, after Svitolina won the WTA Finals, she chose Paris to celebrate her victory. Through Instagram, Monfils contacted her and asked to join her and her group of friends. At the time, Svitolina says she was out partying, while Monfils remained sober and spoke very little.
Despite the quiet beginning, Monfils made a strong impression and invited her for coffee the next day. That coffee date turned into a long walk and a deep conversation. Svitolina says she immediately felt comfortable talking to him, including about her desire to have children and the possibility of pausing her career. She recalled that they shared many similarities, especially the unusual demands of life on the professional tennis circuit.
For Svitolina, what mattered most was Monfils’ way of listening. She says his attentive and caring manner made her feel she could tell him anything. That openness helped build a connection that quickly grew beyond a first date.
Before they said goodbye, Monfils surprised her with a magic trick. Svitolina remembers him pulling out a deck of cards and asking what he would win if he guessed her card correctly. She jokingly first said “a hug,” then, embarrassed, changed her answer to “a kiss on the cheek.” Monfils succeeded, and she gave him a small kiss. What began as a playful moment became the start of a lasting relationship.
Svitolina says that just weeks later, they were almost living together. Three years after that memorable date, they were married. Her story presents Monfils not only as a tennis star, but also as a charming, thoughtful partner whose personality left a lasting impression from the very beginning.
